u/Head-Way4920

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are planning our first trip to Japan.

We arrive in Osaka on September 8, 2026, and fly home from Tokyo on September 21, 2026.

At the moment, we are thinking of focusing only on Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo for this trip. We are a couple in our 30s, first time in Japan, and we enjoy food, sightseeing, walks, shopping, and a mix of modern and traditional places.

We are trying to keep the trip enjoyable without rushing too much.

Our main questions are:

• How would you split 13 days between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo?
• Would you stay in both Osaka and Kyoto, or just base in one of them?
• Is Nara worth adding as a day trip on a first visit?
• Are there any must-do places or experiences in these cities for first-timers?

Thanks a lot for any advice.